Porcupine Tree: In Abstentia CD or DVD-A?

[muncybob]

The local shop has the cd in stock...can order the DVD format at more than twice the cost and a several day wait. I don't have a problem with the extra $$ or the wait but is it really worth it?

 

[Sleestack]

Do you have a good 5.1 setup? If you don't, just get the CD. If you do, yes, get the DVD-A, b/c PT's 5.1 mixes are some of the best 5.1 audio available. Their remastered (2 channel and 5.1) of Stupid Dream is also amazing.

 

[j_garcia]

The DVD-A is easily better and definitely worth having. My only problem was I could only listen to them at home because my cars don't have DVD/DVD-A capable players, which is why I bought both versions of In Absentia and Deadwing. Personally, I like Deadwing better than In Absentia, but both are very good. I'll have Stupid Dream this weekend.

Ironically enough Now Playing: Porcupine Tree In Absentia.

For those who have heard them, how about any of their other releases besides these three?

 

[Nomo]

The DVD-A is well worth the money over the CD. I have Absentia on both CD and DVD-A, I'm not even sure where the CD copy went to. All I've listened to is the DVD since buying it.

 

[Hawkeye]

For those who have heard them, how about any of their other releases besides these three?

I have the three mentioned above, plus Lightbulb Sun, Signify, On the Sunday of Life, and a boot of their Nearfest appearance, plus Steven Wilson's side project, Blackfield. I like most of the music, certainly the last two (In Absentia and Deadwing) are harder, more in your face then the older material. All good though.

On a related note earlier today I ordered a pair of tics for the Oct. 7th show at the Keswick Theater.

 

[muncybob]

Since I do have a decent 5.1 set up I guess I'll order the DVD-A version..but I'm going to find some of their older stuff too. Thanks to this forum I know about PT...you have expanded the musical horizons for this ole fart!

 

[Sleestack]

The DVD-A is easily better and definitely worth having. My only problem was I could only listen to them at home because my cars don't have DVD/DVD-A capable players, which is why I bought both versions of In Absentia and Deadwing. Personally, I like Deadwing better than In Absentia, but both are very good. I'll have Stupid Dream this weekend.

Ironically enough Now Playing: Porcupine Tree In Absentia.

For those who have heard them, how about any of their other releases besides these three?

The 5.1 of Stupid Dream is their best 5.1 mix IMO. The bonus track Ambulance Chasing is a great reference tune for 5.1 and really made me appreciate my 5 matching floorstander setup.

Lightbulb Sun may be their best album. That 5.1 remaster is next, so I would wait until they release that. Signify is also very good.

Beyond those, some of the live ones are good (Warzaw and Coma Divine), but I find the very early works a bit too meandering.

 

[Hawkeye]

Thanks to this forum I know about PT...you have expanded the musical horizons for this ole fart!

One of the reasons I'm here, and the reason many others are as well I suspect, is to expand our musical horizons. With that in mind if you haven't already, I suggest checking out the band KINO, http://www.kinomusic.com/ A who's who of prog including drummer Chris Maitland of Porcupine Tree, and members of It Bites, Arena, and Marillion have put out one of the better prog discs I've heard lately. Their disc "Picture" is never very long out of my regular rotation.
For anyone in the SoCal area, they'll be playing at CalProg in a couple weeks. http://www.calprog.com/

 

[Rob Babcock]

I can easily recommend the DVD-A version over the CD, hands down. And if you end up liking it, their next album, Deadwing, is even more stunning on DVD-A. Better sound, better bass, and a more entertaining surround mix combine with even better music to make a tremendous recording.

 

[johndoe]

For those who have heard them, how about any of their other releases besides these three?[/QUOTE]

I also have the double CD "Stars Die- the Delerium Years" which gives you an idea of how Steve Wilson's musical inclinations have evolved over the 15+ years he's been in the business. I'll give it 3 out of 5 stars since many of the songs drag for a little too long, and the drumming in general- and especially in the earlier tracks, is sub par IMO (I think Wilson was playing everything back then, but I'm not sure). I bought it mainly for "Waiting" and out of curiosity after cumpulsively listening Deadwing repeatedly. Other noteworthy songs here are: Radioactive Toy, and Stars Die (very Pink Floyd-esque). Even though it's a double CD, it's priced reasonably.

I too like Deadwing better than In Absentia, even though I'm not into metal. I think Porcupine Tree's blend of rock sub-genres is very tasteful. The production is pretty much the best in rock. Unfortunately I can't speak about the multichannel versions.

By the way, those in the US, they're gonna be touring this fall along with Fripp and Belew as ProjeKct 6. Check their website for dates.

Thanks for the Kino recommendation, I've heard about it and I'll definitely check them out soon.

 

[j_garcia]

Yep, I saw that they started announcing US dates, none on my side of the country yet....will be seeing them for sure.

So far, I like Stupid Dream as well. Not quite as good as In Absentia or Deadwing, but still very listenable.

 

[Ron Temple]

Recently picked up the DVDA version of Stupid Dream. While it certainly has it's moments, not as good as IA or especially DW. More of a prog/Floyd/pop flavor, but very PT as well, different drummer I believe. Even so, still worth the $20 ordering from their site.


RT

 

[muncybob]

I finally ordered In Abstentia dvd-a from Amazon...also pre-ordered Pink Floyd Pulse dvd...now I'm stoked! I think my "ez listening music" wife is in for a shock soon!

 

[j_garcia]

Let us know what you think of it when it comes in

 

[Hawkeye]

Let us know what you think of it when it comes in

Better yet, let us know what your wife thinks of these.
If she like these, you're home free...

 

[muncybob]

The Mrs. will like Pink Floyd...not so sure about PT...maybe after a Jameson on the rocks or two it will grow on her! When I ordered Pulso on Amazon they gave me a free clip to watch...it was not great streaminmg quality but the concert itself looks impressive. I remember watching a PF concert many years ago on a laser disc...I think it was in Germany?? If this dvd is anywhere near as good as that show I'll be a happy camper!

 

[j_garcia]

If she likes Floyd, I don't think PT will be a stretch.

 

[Ron Temple]

IA is technically wonderful, but takes more time to warm to than DW. It's got a darker slant, as well as, some frenetic metal cuts, but there's a ton of material, wonderful mix, unique PT harmonies...you'll see. Safe to say you are going to find yourself listening repeatedly, then going out to get DW and getting more blown away.

 

[muncybob]

First, I want to thank you for suggesting the DVD-A!

I cannot make a comparison to the cd of IA, but I don't think I need to! Finally got a chance to audition the DVD-A last night and I'm very impressed with the production of this disc. The comment that you have to listen several times to appreciate the recording is right on! I found myself paying as much attention the the surround distribution as I did the actual music, which is not a bad thing and certainly makes the listening experience more interesting. I did find myself increasing the volume several times as the tracks played on. Sometimes at loud volumes I find many recordings excessivly bright(due to compression I'm guessing) but not so with this recording. I'm looking forward to the next chance I have to pop it into the player again and to check out the extras. I will eventually get the Mrs. to listen but I really don't think this is her cup o' tea. I would love to see these guys live in concert!

 

[jaxvon]

Glad you like it! I like the first 4 tracks the best, though the whole album is good.